How to Finally Stop Emotional Eating

If you've ever had the urge to eat your feelings, well, you're just like the rest of us. No matter your emotional trigger, here's how to cope — with both better food choices, and by getting to the heart of the problem.

The food craving: crunchy foods like potato chips

The food craving: crunchy foods like potato chips

When you're angry, it's natural to reach for the crunchy, salty stuff. Potato chips, nuts, and snack mix all help satisfy that gnawing feeling, says Susan Albers, Psy.D., psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic and author of Eating Mindfully. It's a basic instinct — all animals tend to bare their teeth and clench their jaws when they feel angry or threatened.

The healthy-food swap

The healthy-food swap

Munching can be soothing and give you a release, so try a healthy alternative like baked tortilla chips with salsa, carrots dipped in hummus, or sugar-free licorice. Clenching and unclenching your jaw can also help release some tension.